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Online Doctoral Degree Programs in Law


While you may think that jobs in the legal field are limited largely to opportunities for attorneys, there are also dozens of other professional positions available to those interested in law. Although lawyers rank among the most visible and well-compensated of the positions available in the field, there are many professional paths in the legal field that don't impose the significant educational and financial resources that the completion of a law degree usually requires.

In addition to the positions available for attorneys, the field of law includes opportunities for legal secretaries, law firm administrators, paralegals, investigators, consultants, court reporters, legal assistants, clerks, document specialists, and more. In addition, there are hundreds of related opportunities available in the criminal justice field, ranging from behind-the-scenes administrators to front-line detectives and law enforcement officers.

Education & Career Opportunities in Law

If you like the idea of a career in the legal field, but would rather not devote yourself to a decade or more of costly schooling, study, exam preparation, and internships, you're in luck. Today, many traditional and online colleges and universities offer degrees in law and legal fields, and many of these courses of study can be completed in less than two years' time.

To learn more about degree programs in law and the legal field, and to determine whether you are well-suited to this type of career path, enroll in an introductory course at a local college or via an online distance-learning program. Your instructor can answer specific questions about the field and help you chart a path to career success.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegals and legal assistants earned a median annual salary of $46,980 in 2009, while lawyers earned $113,240.




Capella University
Capella University

Capella is an accredited, online university where you'll experience unparalleled support, join a community of accomplished professionals, and be challenged with rigorous academics. Learn more about our online doctoral, master’s, MBA, undergraduate, and certificate programs by answer a short form.



  • PhD - Criminal Justice
  • MS - Criminal Justice
Kaplan University
Kaplan University Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

  • MS in Legal Studies - Education and the Legal System
  • MS in Legal Studies - State and Local Government
  • MS in Legal Studies - Health Care Delivery
  • MS in Legal Studies
  • MS in Legal Studies - Legal System and the Media
Concord Law School
Concord Law School

Going to law school as an adult once meant making major sacrifices. Not any more. Our programs offer the ultimate in flexibility, and were designed specifically for busy adults like you. You'll be in good company at Concord Law School.



  • Executive J.D. SM Program
  • Juris Doctor Program
Northcentral University
Northcentral University At Northcentral University, we teach individuals, not just classes. Our unique, proven online educational experience is designed to help you achieve your goals using your own style of learning.

  • Criminal Justice - PhD in Bus. Admin.
  • Criminal Justice - D.B.A.
  • Criminal Justice - MBA
The University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool Advance your career and increase your earning potential with a masters or a doctoral degree from the University of Liverpool. Study online in small groups of business professionals.

  • LLM in International Finance and Banking Law
  • LLM in Technology and Intellectual Property Law
  • LLM in International Business Law
Walden University
Walden University Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Mixed-Model - Criminal Justice
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Course-based - Criminal Justice
  • Ph.D. in Human Services - Criminal Justice
  • M.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership & Executive Management - General
  • M.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership & Executive Management - Self-Designed
Everest University Online
Everest University Online Expand your career horizons with an online degree from Everest University Online. Balance work and family while you study for your Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree.

  • Criminal Justice (Master's)
Virginia College
Virginia College Virginia College Online continues the tradition ofgiving lives new direction, fulfilling our mission statement tostudents wherever they live and offering the chance to pursue adegree while maintaining commitments to work and family.

  • MS - Criminal Justice
University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

  • M.S. in Administration of Justice and Security
Colorado Technical University Online
Colorado Technical University Online Take your career to new heights with Colorado Tech Online! Since 1965, Colorado Technical University has helped thousands of students achieve success in business, management and technology careers. Learn more today.

  • Master of Science in Criminal Justice